There are a couple of good ways to bend medium density fiberboard (MDF). One is called “Kerf-cutting” and the other is by laminating. For most purposes Kerf-cutting will work better – it’s easier to pull off and less time-consuming. Laminating is the better way to go when you need to form a compound curve.
Step One
Mark off the section to be curved. For example, you have a 3/4-inch thick piece of MDF eight feet in length and you want to make a 30-degree curve over the middle three feet of the product. Line up your work on a table saw with a large support table and set the blade depth to about 19/32 inch.
Step Two
Cut into the MDF at 3/4-inch intervals on what will be the inside of the curve, making cuts from the left boundary to the right. Cut at 1/2-inch intervals for a slightly smoother curve.
Step Three
Lay the MDF down on a flat surface, kerf-cuts facing up. Put a stop at one end so it doesn't slide around. Lift the other end up and place a board under it. Begin raising the board so that the kerf-cuts begin to close. Stop about halfway to the desired 30-degree curve and repeat the process at the other end.
Step Four
Flatten the product again. Fill the kerf-cuts with white glue. You can use a stronger polyurethane adhesive, but If you use too much in the kerf, it will expand and straighten out the curve as it dries. Practice on a sample piece of kerfed MDF if you are doing this for the first time.
Step Five
Re-form the desired bend once the glue is spread evenly through each kerf and either clamp it in place or support the undersides of the two raised ends of the MDF and put weights on the curved section to hold it down as the glue dries.